Peter Banks began his music career in The Syn alongside bassist Chris Squire. In 1967 both moved on to Mabel Greer's Toyshop, which ultimately led to the formation of the band Yes in 1968. Banks was active with Yes for only the first two records, during which time the band was slowly establishing its reputation; by 1970 creative differences led to his departure and he established the band Flash, producing three albums in quick succession. By 1973 Flash had come to an end and Banks instead turned to a solo career, beginning with The Two Sides of Peter Banks released later that same year and featuring contributions from John Wetton, Steve Hackett and Phil Collins.

The next band formed by Peter Banks, Empire, reportedly recorded 3 albums before it was laid to rest in 1980, but none of these records were ever released. Banks remained inactive until 1993, when he released another solo effort, Instinct. It was rumored at this this time that some possibility of his rejoining Yes was in the offing, but nothing ever came of it and Banks instead continued with his solo career, until his death in 2013.